Establishing a definitive list of the Top Ten Fighter Aircraft In The World is a complex undertaking. These engineering marvels are meticulously designed for distinct roles and missions, often leading to exceptional performance in one area while potentially making compromises in others. Nevertheless, the capabilities showcased by the best fighter jets within their specialized domains are truly remarkable. Shock Naue presents this analysis, drawing on expert evaluation of the current operational fighter jets worldwide, to compile a list of the top 10 for 2025.
To be considered for this prestigious list, aircraft must be currently operational and actively in service. Experimental aircraft, prototypes, and those still under development have been excluded from this ranking.
Understanding the Scoring System for Elite Fighter Jets
To provide a comprehensive evaluation of these fighter jets’ overall capabilities, they have been scored across various critical categories. These scoring parameters include:
- Cost
- Stealth
- Agility
- Weapons Payload
- Speed
- Popularity (measured by how widely used they are)
Points are assigned based on each aircraft’s position within the top 10 rankings for these individual characteristics. For most categories, the top-ranked aircraft earns 10 points, decreasing sequentially down to one point for the 10th-ranked jet. Aircraft falling outside the top 10 in a specific category receive zero points.
A notable exception is the scoring for cost; here, fewer points are awarded to the most expensive aircraft. For stealth, a smaller radar cross-section (RCS), indicating greater stealth, receives a higher score.
The Best Fighter Aircraft: The 2025 Ranking
| Aircraft | Why it’s amongst the ‘best’ |
|---|---|
| Sukhoi Su-57 Felon | The most agile fighter jet in the world |
| Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II | The most capable multirole aircraft |
| Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon | A stealthy, heavily armed, multirole aircraft |
| Boeing F-15EX Eagle II | The most heavily armed fighter jet |
| Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor | The stealthiest and most expensive fighter jet ever built |
| General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon | The most widely used fighter jet in the world |
| Sukhoi Su-35 | An incredible dogfighter |
| Eurofighter Typhoon | An agile and capable multirole aircraft |
| Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet | Effective, versatile and tough |
| Dassault Rafale | An agile, heavily armed and expensive fighter |
Let’s delve deeper into the specifics of each aircraft on this list of the Top Ten Fighter Aircraft In The World.
1. Sukhoi Su-57 Felon
Russian Sukhoi Su-57 Felon fighter aircraft performing a tight turn, ranked first on the top ten list
| Su-57 ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Detail | Points |
| Cost | $50 million | 10 |
| Agility | Thrust-to-weight 1.20 | 9 |
| Stealth | RCS 0.1 | 7 |
| Weapons | 22,000 lbs of payload | 8 |
| Speed | Mach 2 | 1 |
| Popularity | 22 in service | 0 |
| Total | 35 |
Naming the Sukhoi Su-57 as the best fighter jet in the world might spark debate, particularly given the advanced fleets operated by countries like the USA. However, the Su-57 represents a truly formidable design by Russia. It scores impressively high in agility, weapons payload, and stealth capabilities. Crucially, Russia has managed to integrate this high level of technology into an aircraft with a unit cost significantly lower than many other advanced fighters, estimated by sources like Bulgarian Military at between $35 million and $50 million.
The Su-57’s exceptional supermaneuverability is facilitated by its 3D thrust vectoring nozzles and an outstanding thrust-to-weight ratio, allowing it to execute incredibly tight turns. While its stealth features may be less refined than some Western counterparts, it compensates with sophisticated sensors, raw aerodynamic performance, and a flexible loadout of both internal and external weaponry, including complex components like advanced radars and engine systems.
2. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, a top fighter aircraft, sitting on a damp runway at sunset
| F-35 ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Detail | Points |
| Cost | $109 million | 5 |
| Agility | Thrust-to-weight 1.07 | 5 |
| Stealth | RCS (m2) 0.0015 | 9 |
| Weapons | 18,000 lbs of payload | 5 |
| Speed | Mach 1.6 | 0 |
| Popularity | 712 in active service | 4 |
| Total | 28 |
Although the F-35 didn’t secure the top position against its Russian competitor, its widespread operational use is a significant factor. With over 700 units currently in active service, the F-35 forms a vital part of the US Air Force’s backbone and is widely adopted by allied nations.
It boasts superior stealth capabilities compared to the Su-57, maintaining stealth from all angles, not just the front. Its radar cross-section is remarkably small, equivalent to that of a golf ball. However, it is slower than the Su-57 and cannot achieve true supercruise (supersonic speed without afterburners). The F-35 also scores lower due to its higher cost, with some variants costing roughly twice the reported price of the Su-57. Nevertheless, as a truly multirole fighter jet capable of excelling in nearly any operational scenario, the F-35 remains one of the top fighter aircraft in the world today.
3. Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon
Chinese Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon fifth-generation fighter aircraft shown in flight
| J-20 Mighty Dragon | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Detail | Points |
| Cost | $110 million | 4 |
| Agility | Thrust-to-weight 1.00 | 4 |
| Stealth | RCS 0.05 | 8 |
| Weapons | 24,000 lbs of payload | 9 |
| Speed | Mach 2 | 1 |
| Popularity | 195 in service | 0 |
| Total | 26 |
Entering the list at number three is the Chengdu J-20 ‘Mighty Dragon’, China’s first domestically developed 5th-generation stealth fighter. It is one of only four operational stealth fighter jets globally. While it shows clear inspiration from the impressive capabilities of the F-22 and F-35, the J-20 has evolved into a highly capable fighter in its own right.
The J-20 was designed with long-range missions in mind. While not the fastest jet on this list, it can reach Mach 2 and sustain supersonic speeds without engaging afterburners, giving it true supercruise capability. Although only a few hundred are believed to be operational so far, Military Watch reports that its production rate is over three times that of any other twin-engine fighter, estimated at 100-120 aircraft annually. These aircraft are exclusively for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and are not exported.
4. Boeing F-15EX Eagle II
Boeing F-15EX Eagle II, one of the top fighter aircraft, conducting a flight test
| Boeing F-15EX Eagle II | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Detail | Points |
| Cost | $97 million | 6 |
| Agility | Thrust-to-weight 0.93 | 0 |
| Stealth | Not stealth | 0 |
| Weapons | 29,500 lbs of payload | 10 |
| Speed | Mach 2.5 | 8 |
| Popularity | 8 in service | 0 |
| Total | 24 |
When it comes to sheer weapons capacity, no current aircraft rivals the F-15EX Eagle II. Capable of carrying nearly 30,000 lbs of ordnance, it holds the title of the most heavily armed fighter jet in the world.
Stealth is not a primary feature of the F-15EX, but it doesn’t rely on it. Instead of stealthy infiltration, its top speed of Mach 2.5 allows for rapid ingress, strike, and egress. Equipped with the Advanced Missile and Bomb Ejector Rack (AMBER) system, it can carry over 20 air-to-air missiles on a single sortie, making it an ideal escort for more expensive stealth aircraft. The F-15EX is the fastest operational fighter jet in the US Air Force and one of the fastest in the world, surpassed only by the older MiG-25 and MiG-31. As of June 2024, only eight have been delivered, with more expected to join the USAF fleet in the coming years.
5. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor fighter jet scores high for agility and stealth
| F-22 ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Detail | Points |
| Cost | $143 million | 1 |
| Agility | Thrust-to-weight 1.26 | 10 |
| Stealth | RCS 0.0001 | 10 |
| Weapons | 12,000 lbs of payload | 0 |
| Speed | Mach 2.25 | 2 |
| Popularity | 178 in service | 0 |
| Total | 23 |
Some readers might be surprised to see the F-22 Raptor lower on this list, but its ranking reflects specific scoring criteria. This incredible engineering achievement is indeed the most agile and stealthiest fighter jet in the world, boasting an RCS comparable to that of a marble.
Despite its unparalleled ability to disappear, the F-22 has a relatively limited weapons payload, which impacts its score in this ranking. It is also the most expensive fighter jet ever built, with a unit cost exceeding $140 million (and estimated build costs closer to $300 million). Nevertheless, the F-22 remains a marvel of modern aviation. Beyond its advanced stealth, it is capable of supercruising at Mach 1.8 and reaching a top speed of Mach 2.25, allowing it to rapidly engage or disengage. Production of the F-22 has ended, with a total of 178 aircraft built, yet it continues to be a formidable presence in the skies of 2025.
6. General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, the most popular fighter jet globally, flying over terrain
| F-16 Fighting Falcon ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Detail | Points |
| Cost | $80 million | 10 |
| Agility | Thrust-to-weight 0.75 | 0 |
| Stealth | Not stealth | 0 |
| Weapons | 15,000 lbs of payload | 0 |
| Speed | Mach 2 | 1 |
| Popularity | 2,084 in active service | 10 |
| Total | 21 |
The F-16 Fighting Falcon stands out as by far the most widely operated fighter jet in the world today. According to the 2025 World Air Forces Directory, over 2,000 units are currently in operation globally, with significant fleets in the USAF, Egypt, Israel, Greece, and Turkey.
While the ‘Viper’ has a rich history dating back to the 1970s as a prominent US fighter aircraft, it remains highly relevant due to continuous upgrades. It functions as a true multirole aircraft, equally adept at air-to-air combat, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions. It is compatible with nearly every weapon system in the US and NATO inventories. The latest variants, such as the Block 70/72, incorporate advanced features like new radars, mission computers, and infrared tracking, effectively making it a 4th generation++ aircraft. It is the most affordable jet on our list to acquire and has proven its capabilities in numerous conflicts, from Operation Desert Storm to the ongoing situation in Ukraine. These complex components contribute to its enduring effectiveness.
7. Sukhoi Su-35
Russian Sukhoi Su-35 fighter aircraft performing a steep turn against a blue sky
| Su-35 ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Detail | Points |
| Cost | $85 million | 7 |
| Agility | Thrust-to-weight 1.15 | 8 |
| Stealth | Not stealth | 0 |
| Weapons | 17,632 lbs of payload | 2 |
| Speed | Mach 2.25 | 2 |
| Popularity | 118+ in service | 0 |
| Total | 19 |
While the Sukhoi Su-35 lacks stealth, it remains one of the world’s most capable 4th-generation fighters. Its exceptional agility is powered by two-plane thrust vectoring, a technology unique among production aircraft.
In close-quarters dogfights, the Su-35 is a dangerous adversary, capable of out-turning most Western jets. Combined with a large internal fuel capacity, long combat range, and a powerful passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar, it is designed for both achieving air superiority and conducting extended patrols. The Su-35 carries a substantial weapons load of over 17,000 lbs. This payload, along with its electronic warfare systems, infrared search and track (IRST) sensor, and high speed of Mach 2.25, makes it a credible force in both defensive and offensive roles. With over 100 units in service and exports to countries like China and Egypt, the Su-35 is a cornerstone of Russia’s tactical airpower in 2025.
8. Eurofighter Typhoon
Eurofighter Typhoon is considered one of the top fighter aircraft in the world
| Eurofighter Typhoon ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Detail | Points |
| Cost | $117 million | 3 |
| Agility | Thrust-to-weight 1.15 | 6 |
| Stealth | Not stealth | 0 |
| Weapons | 20,000 lbs of payload | 6 |
| Speed | Mach 2 | 1 |
| Popularity | 533 in service | 3 |
| Total | 19 |
The Eurofighter Typhoon serves as a cornerstone of European air power. Originally conceived for air superiority, it has successfully evolved into a truly multirole fighter. While it may not hold the top spot in any single performance category, it delivers a high level of competence across a broad range of capabilities without sacrificing one trait entirely for another.
Developed and initially built in the late 20th century, the Typhoon has received systematic upgrades over the years. The most recent Tranche 5 enhancements feature a redesigned cockpit with large area displays, improved connectivity, and the ability to operate in conjunction with drones. Across its entire performance envelope, the Typhoon exhibits exceptional agility. Its sophisticated avionics and sensor suite enhance its survivability, and it is capable of supercruising at Mach 1.5 even when fully loaded.
9. Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet multirole fighter jet executing a tight turn
| F/A-18E/F Super Hornet ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Detail | Points |
| Cost | $73 million | 9 |
| Agility | Thrust-to-weight 0.85 | 0 |
| Stealth | Not stealth | 0 |
| Weapons | 17,750 lbs of payload | 3 |
| Speed | Mach 1.8 | 0 |
| Popularity | 827 in service | 6 |
| Total | 18 |
Serving as the backbone of the US Navy’s carrier air wings, the F/A-18 Hornet has been in service in various iterations since 1978. Its latest evolution, the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, is a significantly updated version tailored for 21st-century requirements. It boasts increased range, a greater payload capacity, and requires less maintenance compared to the original Hornet models.
With a price tag around $73 million, it is still one of the more expensive fighter jets globally, but it costs about half as much as an F-22. Its ordnance capacity of 17,750 lbs is substantial, and it has been engineered to be compatible with a vast array of US and NATO munitions. While the Super Hornet visually resembles a larger F/A-18C/D, it is fundamentally a new aircraft, with approximately 80% of its structure redesigned. The E/F designation denotes single or twin-seat configurations, and all models feature folding wings essential for operations from aircraft carriers.
10. Dassault Rafale
Dassault Rafale multirole fighter jet flying above the clouds
| Dassault Rafale ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Detail | Points |
| Cost | $125 million | 2 |
| Agility | Thrust-to-weight 1.10 | 7 |
| Stealth | Not stealth | 0 |
| Weapons | 20,900 lbs of payload | 7 |
| Speed | Mach 1.8 | 0 |
| Popularity | 299 in service | 0 |
| Total | 16 |
Dassault’s flagship fighter jet, the Rafale (meaning ‘gust of wind’ in French), is known for its elegant design featuring sweeping curves and a sharp nose. However, it is as formidable in combat as it is aesthetically pleasing.
The Rafale is designed for ‘omnirole’ capability, a concept that goes beyond multirole, allowing the jet to perform different mission types simultaneously rather than merely switching between them. It incorporates advanced avionics and sensor fusion, alongside one of the world’s most sophisticated electronic warfare suites, SPECTRA. While not a fully stealth aircraft like the F-22, it includes stealth design elements to reduce its radar cross-section. The latest F-4 standard incorporates radar and sensor upgrades that enhance its ability to detect stealth aircraft at long range, positioning it as one of the most effective ‘hunters’ among non-stealth platforms.
The Horizon: What’s Next in Fighter Aircraft Evolution?
While the current landscape features only a limited number of true 5th-generation fighter jets, several new contenders are poised to join the ranks of the top fighter aircraft in the coming years.
Progress is being made on the KAI KF-21 Boramae, South Korea’s first domestically produced advanced fighter jet. Six prototypes have been developed, and the first production model has reportedly entered final assembly. Early performance indicators suggest a top speed of Mach 1.8 and a potential payload capacity of up to 17,000 lbs.
South Korean KAI KF-21 Boramae advanced fighter jet during testing
Described as a 4.5-generation aircraft, the KF-21 is slightly less advanced than some of the current best in the world but features improved stealth capabilities and avionics that position it ahead of aircraft like the Typhoon and Rafale. It is anticipated to enter service in 2026.
Meanwhile, Turkey is developing the TAI TF Kaan, though only a single prototype exists at this stage. India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program is slightly further behind, with no prototype built yet. In Russia, the Su-75 Checkmate light fighter was showcased in 2021 and 2023, but its development has faced delays due to sanctions. While originally scheduled for service entry around 2027, little current information is available on its progress.
Russian Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate light fighter jet displayed at Dubai Airshow
Following closely behind these upcoming 5th-generation fighters are a group of super-advanced aircraft that will constitute the 6th-generation fleet. None have been built yet, but some manufacturers aim for introduction in the early 2030s. When these advanced aircraft arrive, the landscape of the top fighter aircraft is certain to change dramatically.
Conclusion
Analyzing and ranking the top ten fighter aircraft in the world highlights the diverse approaches nations take in developing air superiority and multirole platforms. From the agile and relatively affordable Su-57 to the stealthy and capable F-35, the heavily armed F-15EX, and the globally prevalent F-16, each jet brings unique strengths to the battlefield. While the F-22 remains a technical marvel despite its cost, the sustained relevance of 4th-generation platforms like the Su-35, Typhoon, Super Hornet, and Rafale through continuous upgrades underscores their importance. The future promises even more advanced aircraft, with new 5th-generation types on the horizon and the dawn of the 6th generation set to redefine air combat capabilities.
